Marathon Runner Collapses and Dies During NYC Marathon — image accompanying The Guardian Athletics's report. Photograph: Peter Foley/UPI/Shutterstock; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner, collapsed during the final stages of the New York City Marathon. Her father, Steve Apa, reported that she was in perfect health and shape. Rachel was running in honor of her late grandfather, who had Parkinson’s disease. Despite being in good health, she collapsed near the end of the race.
Rachel, a former college athlete, was participating in her first marathon. She was cheered on by her parents, who were present at the event. Despite showing signs of discomfort, she continued running. She collapsed and was given CPR by a bystander. Medical staff attempted to save her, but she died from rhabdomyolysis, a condition caused by muscle breakdown. Read more racing coverage.
The New York Road Runners expressed their condolences to Rachel’s family and the running community. This tragic incident marks the second death from a medical incident in the marathon since 2024. Related: Sheila Chepkirui Wins 2026 New York City Marathon.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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Questions about this report
What should runners know about Marathon Runner Collapses and Dies During NYC Marathon?
A 24-year-old woman collapsed and died in the final stages of the marathon. Rachel Apa, a 24-year-old runner, collapsed during the final stages of the New York City Marathon. Her father, Steve Apa, reported that she was in perfect health and shape. Rachel was running in honor of her late grandfather, who had Parkinson’s disease. Despite being in good health, she collapsed near the end of the race.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on November 3, 2026. The underlying The Guardian Athletics report was dated November 3, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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